Actinomycosis : A Forgotten Chronic Infection About 22 cases in Tunisia
Oumaima BOUKHRIS, Maha ABID, Mariem BEN TICHA, Hela KNANI, Manel BEN SELMA, Nadia BEN LASFER, Foued BELLAZREG and Wissem HACHFI
Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative, and granulomatous bacterial infection, primarily caused by filamentous, Gram-positive, anaerobic bacilli of the genus Actinomyces. These bacteria, which are commensal flora of the oropharyngeal, digestive, and genital mucous membranes, become pathogenic when the integrity of the barriers is breached. They then cause abscesses, fistulas, and pseudo-tumoral lesions often mistaken for neoplasia or tuberculosis.To identify the epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical characteristics of actinomycosis. To analyze the therapeutic approaches for patients managed for actinomycosis.A descriptive retrospective study focusing on 22 cases of actinomycosis diagnosed between January 1998 and June 2025. Demographic, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and outcome data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26). Student's t-test was used to analyze the predisposing factors for actinomycosis infection.The mean age at diagnosis was 49 years, with a female predominance (male/female sex ratio = 0.83). Predisposing factors were identified in 63% of patients, mainly the use of an intrauterine device (IUD) with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.005) and poor oral hygiene. Abdominopelvic localization (41%) was the most frequent, followed by cervicofacial, cerebral, and cutaneous forms. Diagnosis was confirmed by anatomopathological examination in 91% of cases and by bacteriology in 9%. All patients received prolonged antibiotic therapy, primarily based on penicillin G or amoxicillin, for an average duration of 10 months. Surgical management was necessary in 68% of patients. The outcome was favorable in 68% of cases, with two relapses and one death.Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic bacterial infection with slow progression. It is characterized by the formation of multiple abscesses, fistulous tracts, and the presence of so-called “sulfur granules.” Diagnosis relies on bacteriological identification and histopathological examination. Management is based on prolonged antibiotic therapy, mainly penicillin, sometimes combined with targeted surgical intervention. The incidence has decreased due to improved oral hygiene and better access to antibiotics.Actinomycosis remains a rare and often unrecognized condition, whose polymorphic clinical presentation can simulate a malignant tumor. Early diagnosis and appropriate, prolonged antibiotic therapy, associated with surgery if necessary, allow for an excellent prognosis. Prevention relies on better oral hygiene and the monitoring of women with IUDs.
